What's Up Docs?
In this BBC Radio 4 podcast, Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken are on a mission to help us take better care of ourselves. Although they are identical twins, Chris and Xand are very different and they never stop thinking and arguing about science and health. They want to lead healthy, happy lives and as doctors, they want this for everyone. Yet they tussle over how best to get there. When it comes to looking after our own health, it can be confusing. Medicine and science produce amazing new treatments and diagnostics every day and we are bombarded with so many headlines and pieces of advice; but how are we supposed to know what's really best for us and then successfully apply it to our lives? Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken embrace this challenge; even as they marvel at the scientific breakthroughs, they grapple with the competing claims about health, wellbeing and how to live. From understanding testosterone therapies to microplastics in our diets, and the concept of 'hangriness' to the power of saying no - this podcast deals with the health stresses we all face every day, while taking on board how the decisions by corporations and governments affect all our health. Each episode, Chris and Xand are joined by an expert guest to examine the latest research, psychological insights, and data, to help listeners navigate the overwhelming amount of information and advice out there. They talk about the trials and tribulations in their own lives in their characteristically witty way - each teasing the other as they search for solutions. Xand has trouble sleeping , Chris has noisy knees, one of them has got an embarrassing itch. They have different ways of looking at things and find it really helpful to get the other one's point of view. These doctors are trying their best and encouraging listeners to do the same. Email: [email protected] Whatsapp: 08000 665123 A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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Recent Episodes
Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about fevers with Dr Catherine Houlihan, consultant in clinical virology and infectious diseases at University College London Hospitals. They f...
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In this Doctor's Notes episode, Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris continue their conversation with Dr. Catherine Houlihan, an infectious disease consultant, exploring rare and imported pathogens, the UK's disease surveillance systems, fever management in children including febrile seizures, and practical infection control strategies. The discussion highlights the small but crucial community of experts protecting public health while offering reassuring guidance for parents and travelers.
- Kat's Journey into Infectious Disease Medicine
- The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory
How should you treat a fever?
Nov 03, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they examine fevers. They ask...
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Dr. Chris van Tulleken and Dr. Xand van Tulleken explore the science of fever with infectious diseases consultant Dr. Catherine Houlihan. They examine what causes fever, how the body generates heat, when to worry about elevated temperature, and debunk common myths about treating fevers. The discussion covers everything from the physiology of fever to practical advice about managing infections at home.
- The History and Science of Fever
- Normal Body Temperature and Its Regulation
Drs' Notes: Can 'recreational fear' be good for you?
Oct 27, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professors Marc Andersen and Mathias Clasen. Together, they explore the work Marc and Mathias do at the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus U...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand van Tulleken dive deeper with professors Mark Anderson and Matthias Klassen from the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University, exploring how horror movies and frightening experiences benefit our mental and physical health. The discussion covers groundbreaking research on inflammation, pandemic resilience, and the different personality types of horror fans, revealing that recreational fear is far more than entertainment—it's a valuable tool for development, stress management, and building psychological resilience.
- The Origins of Recreational Fear Research
- Revolutionary Inflammation Research at Haunted Houses
Why do we love scary movies?
Oct 27, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Chris and Zandi explore the science of recreational fear with researchers Mark Anderson and Matthias Klassen from the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University. They investigate why humans actively seek out frightening experiences for pleasure, examining the physiological and psychological mechanisms behind horror movies, haunted houses, and scary entertainment. The discussion reveals that recreational fear may actually be beneficial, helping build resilience and teaching important lessons about managing uncertainty and anxiety.
- The Mystery of Losing Our Fear
- Defining Recreational Fear
Drs' Notes: Can your joints repair themselves?
Oct 20, 2026Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about osteoarthritis with Professor Tonia Vincent, Director of the Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis and professor of musculoskelet...
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Dr. Chris Van Tulleken and Dr. Zand Van Tulleken speak with Professor Tonya Vincent, director of the Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis, about her groundbreaking research into osteoarthritis. Vincent explains how she courageously chose to study this 'unfashionable' disease and has since revolutionized understanding of how mechanical stress triggers cellular responses in joints. The discussion covers the discovery that cartilage has remarkable repair capabilities when properly rested, the role of specific molecular pathways in joint damage, and promising future treatments that could actually regenerate cartilage rather than just manage symptoms.
- Choosing the Unfashionable Path: Tonya's Research Journey
- Debunking Old Theories: The Mechanical Stress Discovery
Will we all get osteoarthritis?
Oct 20, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode they look ...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris explore osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis affecting 10 million people in the UK. Joined by Professor Tonya Vincent from Oxford University, they debunk the myth that it's simply 'wear and tear,' revealing how joints actively respond to mechanical stress and can regenerate. The discussion covers diagnosis, the paradox of exercise both causing and preventing the condition, and evidence-based treatments including strength training, weight management, and the limited role of supplements and painkillers.
- Understanding Osteoarthritis: More Than Wear and Tear
- The Exercise Paradox: Mechanical Stress as Both Cause and Cure
Drs' Notes: How can spots affect mental health?
Oct 13, 2026In this Doctor's Notes episode of What's Up Docs?, Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Tess McPherson, Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals. Toge...
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Dr. Chris Van Tulleken and Dr. Xand Van Tulleken continue their conversation with Professor Tess McPherson, a consultant dermatologist specializing in adolescent skin conditions. This extended discussion explores the profound psychological impact of acne on young people, the effectiveness and concerns around various treatments including isotretinoin, and the complex relationship between social media, skincare routines, and mental health. Tess shares insights from her 15 years of research and clinical practice, emphasizing that while acne is highly treatable, it can cause both physical and emotional scarring that lasts a lifetime.
- The Psychological Impact and Social Consequences of Acne
- Treatment Effectiveness and the Gratifying Nature of Acne Care
What can you do about your spots?
Oct 13, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken explore the science of spots and acne with dermatologist Professor Tess McPherson. They debunk common myths about acne being caused by poor hygiene or diet, explain the biological mechanisms behind spots, and discuss effective treatments. The episode addresses why some people are more prone to acne, the role of hormones and genetics, and provides practical guidance on when to seek help and how to use treatments properly.
- Understanding What Spots Are and Why We Get Them
- Types of Spots: From Whiteheads to Cystic Acne
Drs' Notes: How can we manage chronic pain?
Oct 06, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation with Dr Cathy Stannard, clinical lead of the pain transformation programme at NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and the clinical lead fo...
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Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris van Tulleken discuss chronic pain management with Dr. Cathy Stannard, a former consultant in chronic pain who now leads the Pain Transformation Program at NHS Gloucestershire. The conversation explores how understanding of pain has evolved, the crucial role of belief and validation in pain treatment, the limitations of medical interventions, and why exercise—particularly group exercise with a fitness instructor rather than a healthcare professional—is the only intervention NICE recommends for chronic pain management.
- Cathy Stannard's Journey Into Pain Medicine
- Evolution in Understanding Pain: From Molecules to Lived Experience
How can we better understand pain?
Oct 06, 2026Welcome to What's Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand explore the complex world of pain with Dr. Cathy Stannard, a chronic pain expert and clinical lead for the NICE Guideline on Chronic Pain. The discussion reveals groundbreaking insights about how pain works, the crucial distinction between acute and chronic pain, and why traditional painkillers often fail for long-term sufferers. They examine how life experiences, trauma, and context profoundly shape pain experiences, challenging conventional medical understanding.
- Understanding Pain Beyond Simple Biology
- The Gate Theory and Brain's Role in Pain
Doctors' Notes: Sleep Disorders
Oct 01, 2026Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken continue their conversation about sleep disorders with Dr Sophie West, a consultant respiratory physician and lead of Newcastle regional sleep service. They explore wh...
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In this Doctor's Notes bonus episode, identical twins Dr. Chris and Dr. Zand Van Tulleken continue their conversation with Dr. Sophie West, a leading sleep expert from Newcastle Regional Sleep Service. They explore practical sleep hygiene strategies, discuss the challenges faced by shift workers, examine the role of temperature and hydration in sleep quality, and delve into the fascinating world of dreams and nightmares, including techniques for managing recurring bad dreams.
- Foundations of Good Sleep Hygiene
- Sleep Tracking Technology and Orthosomnia
Drs' Notes: Why did neurodiversity evolve?
Sep 29, 2026Drs Chris and Xand continue their conversation about neurodiversity with Professor Duncan Astle. The doctors want to know what evolution could say about neurodivergence, how the definition of neurodi...
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In this episode of Doctor's Notes, identical twins Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken explore neurodiversity and neurodivergence with Professor Duncan Astle from Cambridge University. They discuss the evolutionary origins of human brain diversity, why our brains take so long to develop, how diagnostic labels function in society, and the role of social media in neurodiversity awareness. The conversation reveals that human neurodiversity is not a modern phenomenon but a fundamental feature of our species that has contributed to our evolutionary success.
- The Origins of Neurodiversity Research
- Brain Wiring Matters More Than Structure
How can we better understand neurodiversity?
Sep 29, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. What is neurodiversity real...
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Twin doctors Chris and Zand explore neurodiversity, moving beyond traditional medical models to understand how all human brains differ. With neuroscientist Professor Duncan Astle, they discuss the distinction between neurodiversity as a fact and neurodivergence as individual difference, the role of diagnosis versus support needs, and how society can better accommodate cognitive diversity rather than pathologizing difference.
- Introduction to Neurodiversity and Personal Perspectives
- Defining Neurodiversity versus Neurodivergence
Drs' Notes: How do athletes look after their ankles?
Sep 22, 2026Chris and Xand continue their conversation about ankle health with Genevieve Tawiah. The doctors want to know how different sports and performance arts can impact your ankles, but also how they can h...
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Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand follow up their main ankle episode with physiotherapist Jen Tawia, exploring her work with professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing and in West End shows. They discuss how different sports affect ankles, the role of footwear in ankle health, injury prevention strategies, and the evolving role of physiotherapy in performing arts. Jen emphasizes that physios can help both before and after injuries, and that recovery should be an active process rather than passive rest.
- Jen's Background and Interest in Ankle Biomechanics
- Working with Professional Dancers
How can you better look after your ankles?
Sep 22, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they discu...
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Dr. Chris van Tulleken and Dr. Xand van Tulleken explore the ankle joint with performance physiotherapist Genevieve Taouia, discussing ankle anatomy, common injuries like sprains, rehabilitation techniques, and preventative exercises. The episode emphasizes the complexity of the ankle, the importance of brain-to-body awareness in recovery, and practical strategies for strengthening this often-overlooked joint.
- Understanding Ankle Anatomy and Function
- Ankle Vulnerability and Common Injuries
Today we’re sharing an episode from our sister podcast, Complex with Kimberley Wilson. In the episode, Kimberley asks CBT therapist Joshua Munn about the symptoms of ADHD and how to recognise it. He ...
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Complex with Kimberley Wilson explores ADHD in depth, separating social media myths from clinical reality. Chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson interviews therapist Joshua Monk, who specializes in ADHD and OCD and has lived experience of both conditions. They discuss what ADHD actually is, how it presents differently in men and women, the role of shame and perfectionism, social media misinformation, and practical strategies for living with the condition. The conversation is both clinically informed and compassionately human, emphasizing that ADHD is a serious diagnosis but not a life sentence.
- Understanding ADHD: Beyond the Social Media Myths
- How ADHD Actually Presents: The Internal Experience
Doctors' Notes: Type 2 Diabetes
Sep 15, 2026Chris and Xand van Tulleken take a deeper dive into type 2 diabetes and the bigger factors shaping one of the world's most common health conditions. Joined by Dr Tamara Hibbert, they explore why type...
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Dr. Chris Van Tulleken and Dr. Xand Van Tulleken speak with Dr. Tammy Hibbert, a GP working in Newham, one of the UK's most deprived areas, about type 2 diabetes. The conversation explores Tammy's personal journey into diabetes care, the profound impact of social determinants of health on diabetes prevalence, and her innovative approach using group consultations to empower patients. The discussion highlights how environment, food access, and community support shape diabetes outcomes, while offering hope through lifestyle interventions and culturally sensitive care.
- Tammy's Journey into Diabetes Care
- The Serious Consequences of Unmanaged Diabetes
How can we better understand type 2 diabetes?
Sep 15, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where doctors and identical twins Chris and Xand van Tulleken explore the ideas shaping our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they turn their attention to...
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BBC Radio 4's health podcast What's Up Docs dives deep into type 2 diabetes, a condition that has tripled in the last 30 years and affects nearly one in ten people in the UK. Hosted by identical twin doctors Chris and Zand, the episode features Dr. Tamara Hibbert, a GP and Diabetes UK clinical champion, who explains the science behind blood sugar regulation, risk factors, and the potential for remission through lifestyle interventions. The conversation emphasizes that type 2 diabetes is not simply about sugar consumption but involves complex fat distribution patterns, genetics, and insulin resistance.
- Understanding Type 2 Diabetes vs Type 1
- The Sweetness of Blood: Understanding Glucose Levels
How to Spot a Sleep Disorder
Sep 08, 2026Welcome to What’s Up Docs?, the podcast where identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken cut through the confusion around every aspect of our health and wellbeing. In this episode, they dig i...
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In this episode of What's Up Docs, Dr. Zand and Dr. Chris van Tulleken discuss sleep disorders with Dr. Sophie West, lead of the Newcastle Regional Sleep Service. They explore various types of sleep disorders including insomnia, parasomnias like sleepwalking and night terrors, restless leg syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorders. The conversation emphasizes that while sleep disorders are incredibly common—affecting about a quarter of the population—many can be effectively managed with proper sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy rather than medication.
- Understanding Healthy Sleep and Sleep Disorders
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: A Counterintuitive Cure
Doctors' Notes: Routine
Sep 01, 2026Doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken are back with a bonus episode, continuing their conversation on routines with Bas Verplanken, Professor Emeritus of Social Psychology at the University of Bath. ...
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Dr. Chris Van Tulleken and Dr. Xand Van Tulleken explore the science of routines and habits with Professor Bas Verplanken, Professor Emeritus at the University of Bath. The conversation delves into how routines form, their relationship with creativity, their role across different life stages from childhood to retirement, and practical strategies for establishing helpful habits. Professor Verplanken shares insights from his career studying behavioral psychology and reveals how behavior often drives attitudes more than the reverse.
- The Science Behind Habits and Routines
- Routines and Creativity: Debunking the Chaotic Artist Myth